Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County
is Looking for New Recruits for Operation Bigs
Operation Bigs, a program of Big Brothers Big Sisters, is a one-on-one mentoring program serving the children of active-duty, veteran, Gold Star and wounded service members by offering them mentors who can provide an added layer of support during deployment, transition or loss. Operation Bigs is currently recruiting adult volunteers for this program in the Coronado area. They are looking for men and women, both civilian and military, from ages 18 to 85+, who have a heart for military children and a desire to give back to those who serve our country. It is also open enrollment for children who may want to participate in this free community program.
Melissa, a parent of two children in the program said, “Operation Bigs has helped me as a mother deal with the emotional impact a deployment has on my children. To know they have another adult to go to for some undivided attention has helped me and my children. I do not think the deployment would have gone as smoothly had it not been for Operation Bigs. My son and daughter feel a special connection with their Bigs and they feel appreciated. They love Operation Bigs and really look forward to, and rely on it, each week.”
Volunteers in the Site-Based program meet with their Little Brothers/Sisters for one hour, once a week at a school site during the school year. During that hour they play games, sports, and do other fun activities together, while building a friendship. In the Community-Based program volunteers meet with their Littles at least twice a month on weekends or weeknights, planning activities based around mutual interests. Volunteering as a Big Brother or Big Sister is a great way to make a difference in a child’s life while having fun at the same time!
Since the program began in 2004, Operation Bigs has served more than 1,800 Navy and Marine Corps children. The program operates at eight schools in four communities around San Diego County, including Camp Pendleton, Point Loma, Coronado and Tierrasanta and across the county in the Community-Based program. The need for caring, committed mentors remains urgent for all locations.
